Padarath: A scandal of immense proportions

Padarath, the Opposition UNC’s shadow minister of Sport and Culture said Smith’s actions shows a continued disregard for public office and that Smith, “Really needs to come out and clear the air in terms of whether or not this expenditure was approved by him.”

“The minister cannot absolve or refute any of the allegations that have been made because (it is) in black and white,” he said. “Imagine, $92,000 has been spent and the minister is comparing this to a storm in a teacup. Well, minister, $92,000 has been spent and we don’t even have a teacup to show for it!”

Padarath said having served in the Office of the Prime Minister during the People’s Partnership Administration, he was aware that such expenditure could only be approved by a Permanent Secretary and/or a minister. On Smith’s response that the expenditure was at state-owned hotels, he commented, “I think that is a ridiculous response, because what this means is you are using taxpayers’ dollars for this expenditure and you are trying to justify it by saying that you are using it at stateowned enterprises. That really does not cut the mustard.

“I think this really warrants a complete investigation into what is happening at the Ministry of Sport. I believe the honourable Prime Minister needs to call in the minister and the minister needs to ventilate and provide some answers on this.”